Devialet - Gemini

Yep, thirded. If you like bass, the Gemini (with some EQing) are the way to go. I had the Pi8 with them side by side and comparatively they just lack oomph. The treble also never sounded as "open" (for lack of a better word) as the Gemini no matter how much I EQed them. Just note that the Gemini app doesn't work on Android 15 because Devialet devs are lazy like that.

I’ve been rocking the original geminis for about four years and they’re still hella good. Definitely gonna get the 2s or even 3s if they’re out by then. Was thinking of it being my first purchase on salary but def gonna wait a few more years.

The Devialet and the Rex5 have the best sound, but B&W Pi8 and Denon Perl Pro are close enough that it may as well be a 4 way tie. Of these 4, the Devialet have the strongest ANC. It's not quite Bose level ANC (nothing is) but the ANC is among the best available. The devialet are probably the best overall "wear everyday" buds (out of these 4) for comfort and use/features. But the Devialet are also the oldest, and most due for a new version release. I have zero clue if there are plans for a new Devialet model. The Technics AZ100 aren't *quite* at the same level as the others sound-wise, but they're still among the best sounding earbuds out there, and they're a better all-around set than any of the others mentioned here. The Technics ANC gets the job done but it's nothing spectacular. It's better ANC than the Pi8 and Rex5, probably roughly tied with the Denon, and not as strong as the Devialet. I consider the Technics to be roughly tied with the Sennheiser MTW4, but I slightly prefer the Sennheiser sound and ANC. I see the Sennheiser and Technics at the kings of the great-sounding consumer buds, just a notch below the super expensive "boutique" models in sound quality but better all arounders. TL;Dr: if you absolutely want to maximize sound quality, go Devialet/Noble or maybe Pi8/Denon, with Devialet being the best *overall* of this bunch. If you want 95% sound quality but better buds overall, go with Sennheiser or Technics. If ANC is your priority, the Devialet and Sennheiser are the best in this grouping, and Bose is the best ANC of all (but a notch lower in sound quality).

I agree. For me, the Devialet and Rex5 are too close to call sound-wise: I prefer one or the other depending on the music. Frankly, the Pi8, BeoPlay EX, and Denon Perl Pro are all in that top bracket for me, but I'd say the Devialet and Rex5 have a slight lead in sound quality. But the Devialet are far better everyday buds for me. They're small and light and comfortable, and they have most of the features and capabilities that a lot of the other super-expensive "audiophile" buds tend to leave out.

Love my Technics. Devialet sounds a little better, but the AZ100 is great for everyday carrying

I’ve never listened to anything better than the Devialet, and I’ve never used anything better for everyday life than the Technics AZ100

+1 for Devialet. Most slept on set imo

Nah ive used both and the Devialets are far superior IMHO. The denons are a great set though. Really comes down to preference

Planned obsolescence and for me so far Devialet on both.